Book: Archival Accessioning by Audra Eagle Yun

Abstract

According to Audra Eagle Yun (2021, p.2) “robust accessioning is the keystone of responsible collection stewardship practice”. Her book, Archival Accessioning, aims to show readers how to “develop an integrated accessioning program to consistently provide access to all holdings in an archival repository” (Yun, 2021, p.3). To achieve this Yun draws on not only her own expertise but that of other archive specialists whose credentials are established in the book’s biography. Divided into two parts, the first (the Introduction and Chapters 1-4), are authored by Yun who focuses on accessioning history as well as the major concepts and best practices. The second features guest contributors whose chapters contain useful scenarios and suggestions on reducing backlogs, retrospective accessioning
and digital archiving along with helpful notes and references for further research. Clearly, each contributor has thought carefully about how to convey useful information without overload as chapters are fairly concise. Another bonus is the relaxed style of the book, making it a valuable resource for new entrants to the profession as well as those seeking to gain some different perspectives. In our busy, time-pressured world, this book is easy to dip into for something specific or to read through in one or two sittings.